**Transgender Day of Remembrance Highlights Ongoing Fears Amid Political Uncertainty**

A moving cello performance filled a sanctuary on Wednesday night, providing a serene backdrop as attendees held blue and pink carnations to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance. The audience watched a poignant slideshow featuring photos of trans individuals—daughters, brothers, coworkers, and friends—in moments of joy and confidence. The names read aloud resonated deeply, revealing that many of those being memorialized were women of color. Disturbingly, one victim was just 14 years old. Each of the 350 trans people murdered worldwide in the past year, as reported by the Trans Murder Monitoring Project, was remembered solemnly. In the United States alone, the Human Rights Campaign documented at least 36 trans killings during the same period, although experts believe the true number is higher due to underreporting.

Soren Ruppelius, a volunteer from the Delaware nonprofit Sussex Pride, emphasized the year's particularly solemn nature. "No matter how dark things get, you are never alone. We have always taken care of one another, and we always will," he remarked. Ruppelius expressed hope for a future where such vigils are no longer needed, where every trans person can live a full and happy life.

However, the mood in Delaware has been a mixture of pride and anxiety following Donald Trump's re-election. Despite celebrating Sarah McBride's historic election as the nation's first known transgender lawmaker in Congress, many Delawareans are anxious about Trump's return to the White House. This sentiment stems from his campaign, which was marked by anti-trans rhetoric and policies.

Adding to their concerns, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced a resolution on Monday aiming to prevent transgender women from using women's restrooms at the U.S. Capitol. This move has been seen as a direct challenge to McBride, who has remained focused on her upcoming responsibilities despite the controversy. "I'm not here to fight about bathrooms," McBride stated. "This effort to distract from the real issues facing this country hasn't distracted me over the last several days, as I've remained hard at work preparing to represent the greatest state in the union come January."

The event on Wednesday also featured a speech by Vienna Cavazos, a trans youth activist with Bulletproof Pride. "As we gather here today, I know the air is heavy," Cavazos said, acknowledging the weight of both the remembrance and the current political climate. She pointed out the paradox of progress and regression faced by the trans community.

Andrea, a Delaware resident and mother of a transgender child, shared her fears following Trump's electoral victory. She described a night filled with anxiety and concern for both her transgender daughter and the rising antisemitism affecting her community.

In response to these concerns, the Delaware Sexuality and Gender Collective organized a virtual call for trans residents and their families. Founders Julissa Coriano and Noah Duckett, both clinical social workers, provided a space for the community to process the election results and seek support. Despite celebrating McBride's groundbreaking win, Coriano and Duckett are preparing to offer ongoing support to a vulnerable community faced with the challenges of a second Trump administration. "It's painful to know that your existence is a topic of debate," Coriano shared, reflecting the sentiment of many on the call who are bracing for the uncertain future ahead.